By Peter Omopo
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State has criticised the state government over what it described as the absence of an official response following an explosion in Offa, the headquarters of Offa Local Government Area.
The party’s reaction followed reports that explosions occurred in parts of Offa on Christmas night, damaging property and prompting security agencies to cordon off the affected areas while investigations commenced.
In a statement issued in Ilorin on Saturday and signed by the PDP State Publicity Secretary, Mr Olusegun Adewara, the opposition party accused the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of failing to address the public or reassure residents since the incident.
The PDP expressed sympathy with the people of Offa, particularly the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi, Esuwoye I, as well as residents, business owners and communities affected by the explosion.
“It is unfortunate that while residents ran for their lives in fear and confusion, the state governor and his government were conspicuously missing in action, both physically and in communication,” the statement said.
According to the party, there had been no official explanation, security briefing, visible government presence at the scene or words of reassurance to residents of Offa and other parts of the state as of the time the statement was released.
The PDP argued that the lack of communication had created a vacuum of leadership, fuelling panic, rumours and anxiety among residents.
“This dangerous vacuum of leadership has fuelled panic, rumours and widespread anxiety among innocent citizens,” the party stated.
The opposition party maintained that a responsive government would have promptly visited the affected area, conducted an on-the-spot assessment and provided clear information to the public.
“Sadly, in Kwara today, citizens are abandoned to social media speculation because their government has failed in its most basic duty of providing leadership in times of crisis,” the statement added.
The PDP described the situation as unacceptable, accusing the government of insensitivity and poor crisis management, particularly during the festive period when residents expect peace and safety.
The party called on Governor AbdulRazaq to urgently visit Offa, assess the situation and support affected residents, while also briefing the public on the true state of affairs.
“The governor must brief the people of Kwara on the true situation in Offa and convene a joint security clarification to put an end to the growing panic,” the statement said.
It stressed that the people of Offa deserved truth, protection and leadership at a critical moment, rather than silence.
